Malala Day, slated for July 12 every year, is an important day in global activism as it appreciates and celebrates the global icon Malala Yousafzai. She broke the norm and rose to prominence at a young age advocating for human rights, particularly the right of women to have an education. The day also commemorates Malala’s birth and is celebrated globally by International human rights organizations, the United Nations, and other prominent global citizens. Malala Day bears such significance because behind it is the unusual story of a young individual from a humble background evolving into a global change agent.

History of MALALA DAY

Malala Yousafzai was born on 12 July 1997, into a lower-middle-class family. Her father is an educator and educational activist. Her mother gave birth to her at home because the family didn’t have enough money to afford to go to the hospital. Her name ‘Malala,’ translates to ‘grief-stricken.’ Growing up, she lived with her parents and two younger brothers. Malala Yousafzai was educated mostly by her father who is a school owner, and an educational activist, running a chain of private schools known as the Khushal Public School, Khushal being the name of one of his sons. Malala is fluent in Pashto, Urdu, and English languages and has said that she once wanted to become a doctor.Malala Yousafzai is the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate, as well as only the second Pakistani to ever receive a Nobel Prize. She is renowned and globally recognized for her advocacy, particularly for the education of women and children back home in her native Swat Valley, northwest Pakistan, where a group of Pakistani fundamentalists known as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan had often banned girls from attending school. Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy has since evolved fully into an international movement, making her Pakistan’s most prominent citizen.On October 9, 2012, on her return from an exam, Malala Yousafzai and two other girls were shot by a member of the Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan in what was later revealed as an assassination attempt in response to Malala’s activism. Malala sustained a gunshot wound to the head and remained unconscious and in critical condition at the local hospital. However, her condition later improved and she was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, U.K. The (failed) attempt on her life resulted in a global outpouring of support for her. It was on the premise of this incident, that she became globally renowned.

MALALA DAY timeline

July 12, 1997
Malala Yousafzai is Born

Malala Yousafzai is born on July 12, 1997.

2009
Malala Writes for B.B.C. Urdu

Malala writes for B.B.C. Urdu where she expresses her advocacy through the platform

2012
Malala is Shot

During an attempt against her life, Malala Yousfzai sustains a gunshot wound to her head.

2014
Malala receives a Nobel Prize

Malala Yousafzai wins a Nobel Peace prize in 2014.

MALALA DAY FAQs

What Is Malala Day?

Malala Day, slated for July 12 every year, is an important day in global activism as it celebrates the global icon Malala Yousafzai who broke the norm and rose to prominence at a young age advocating for human rights, particularly the right for women to have an education.

Did Malala get shot?

Yes. In 2012, Malala Yousafzai did get shot on her way from an exam. She, however, survived the traumatic experience and has continued her activism ever since.

Is Malala Yousafzai married?

Malala Yousafzai got married in November 2021, to Asser Malik, who is a manager for the Pakistani Cricket board.

How to Observe MALALA DAY

  1. Watch her documentary

    There is a 2015 documentary chronicling the life of Malala Yousafzai titled “He Named Me Malala.” You can purchase it digitally and have a closer look at Malala’s life.

  2. Donate to the Malala Fund

    The Malala Fund is set up to educate young girls. You can donate to the fund in celebration of Malala Day.

  3. Share on Social Media

    Whatever you choose to do to celebrate Malala Day, be sure to post it on social media and use the #MalalaDay hashtag to join the conversation. Do your bit in helping spread awareness about Malala’s cause and education for women.

5 Facts About Malala Yousafzai

  1. Malala’s dad is an educational activist too

    Malala’s father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, is also an educator and educational activist.

  2. Youngest U.N. Messenger of Peace

    Malala Yousafzai is the youngest U.N. Messenger of Peace.

  3. Youngest Nobel Laureate

    Malala is the world’s youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize, which she received in 2014 at age 17.

  4. An asteroid is named after Malala

    In 2015, NASA named an asteroid ‘Malala’ after Malala Yousafzai.

  5. Malala is an Oxford alumna

    In 2020, Malala Yousafzai graduated from the prestigious Oxford University.

Why MALALA DAY is Important

  1. Malala is a humanitarian

    Malala has been heavily involved in human rights. She has a particular devotion to granting equal rights to education for women.

  2. A woman of peace

    Malala Yousafzai is undoubtedly a woman of peace. Her Nobel Prize is a testament to this.

  3. Malala embodies bravery

    By standing up for what she believed in and making a statement amid hostility, Malala Yousafzai embodies bravery. After all she went through with the failed assassination attempt, she is still determined to follow through with her cause, despite the danger.

MALALA DAY dates

Year Date Day
2023 July 12 Wednesday
2024 July 12 Friday
2025 July 12 Saturday
2026 July 12 Sunday
2027 July 12 Monday